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(2013) New challenges to philosophy of science, Dordrecht, Springer.

Quantum observer, information theory and kolmogorov complexity

Alexei Grinbaum

pp. 59-72

The theory itself does not tell us which properties are sufficient for a system to count as a quantum mechanical observer. Thus, it remains an open problem to find a suitable language for characterizing observation. We propose an information-theoretic definition of observer, leading to a mathematical criterion of objectivity using the formalism of Kolmogorov complexity. We also suggest an experimental test of the hypothesis that any system, even much smaller than a human being, can be a quantum mechanical observer.

Publication details

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5845-2_6

Full citation:

Grinbaum, A. (2013)., Quantum observer, information theory and kolmogorov complexity, in H. Andersen, D. Dieks, T. Uebel, W. J. González & G. Wheeler (eds.), New challenges to philosophy of science, Dordrecht, Springer, pp. 59-72.

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